Most offseasons, the Predators claim they will go after an offensive-type forward, only to whiff at their attempts.

The summer of 2014 is different.

Nashville continued its transition into a more offensive team on Friday during the NHL Draft in Philadelphia, landing former 40-goal scorer James Neal from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forwards Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist.

"We feel he is a No. 1 line winger, we feel he is a goal scorer, and that's exactly what we were looking for," general manager David Poile told reporters at the draft.

When the Predators parted with coach Barry Trotz and hired Peter Laviolette to replace him, they claimed it was a step toward building a more potent offense. Neal is a sniping winger and scorer in his prime, but he does come with some question marks and no guarantees that he can guide Nashville back into the playoffs after a two-year absence.

Nashville Predators forward James Neal (18) battles with Columbus Blue Jackets forward Scott Hartnell (43) for a loose puck during the first period of a Sept. 29 preseason game at Bridgestone Arena. (Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

James Neal celebrates his goal past New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist with teammate Evgeni Malkin during the second period of Game 1 of their playoff series in Pittsburgh on May 2, 2014. (Photo: Gene J. Puskar / AP)

James Neal talks with reporters before cleaning out his locker at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on June 9, 2013. The Boston Bruins swept the Penguins in four games in the Eastern Conference finals. (Photo: Gene J. Puskar / AP)

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The 26-year-old Ontario native scored 40 goals in 2011-12, and has scored more than 20 goals in each of his six NHL seasons. He has three years and $15 million left on a six-year $30 million contract that carries a $5 million salary cap hit.

He is known as a feisty winger who plays with an edge and isn't afraid to mix it up with his opponent. He has a great one-timer and one of the quicker shot releases in the NHL.

Talent is not an issue with Neal. Perhaps the biggest question is how consistent and effective he will be without former NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin by his side.

"I get it that we don't have Malkin or (Sidney) Crosby," Poile said of the Penguins superstars. "But we're going to have some good center ice men or we're going to find someone that can play with him."

Neal also comes with some questions about his character and consistency.

The NHL has suspended him three times – once for kneeing, once for intent to injure and once for a hit from behind – for a total of eight games. The intent to injure suspension occurred during the 2012 playoffs.

Recently he's developed a bit of a reputation for disappearing in the postseason, as evidenced by two scores in his last 13 playoff games.

Penguins left wing James Neal, left, and center Evgeni Malkin wait for play to begin against the Red Wings last preseason.(Photo: Paul Sancya / AP)

Asked whether a lack of discipline from Neal helped lead to the trade, Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said: "Everything comes into play when we're possibly looking at moving a player."

Poile said the Predators did their research on Neal's character: "I'm aware of how he plays. I like taking players for what they are and what they do. I'm not big on trying to change players. If I wanted to change a guy, I probably wouldn't trade for him."

Two important cogs were subtracted in order to add Neal. In dealing Hornqvist and Spaling, the Predators gave up on two young players who are versatile, give maximum effort every game and have offensive upside.

Hornqvist, 27, one of Nashville's alternate captains, has scored 30 goals once in his career and more than 20 in each of his last four full seasons. He's locked into a very reasonable five-year contract extension from last summer worth $21.25 million and is coming off a 22-goal season.

Spaling, 25, a restricted free agent who can play both wing and center positions, had 13 goals last season. Rutherford indicated Spaling was a key to the trade.

"We like Hornqvist as an all-around player," he said. "We really like Spaling. He can play all three positions on the third line."